Parents in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to sign up for a new childcare scheme that has already saved them thousands of pounds in its first month. The Education Minister, Paul Givan, is pleased with the success of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS), which has saved parents nearly £1 million on their September childcare expenses. When combined with the Tax Free Childcare program, parents in Northern Ireland have saved over £2 million in total.
Minister Givan announced the launch of the NICSS in May 2024 with the goal of making childcare more affordable for working families. Since its implementation in September, around 13,000 children and 1,500 childcare providers have registered for the scheme. The NICSS is aimed at working parents with children below primary school age, targeting families facing high childcare costs.
In its first month, over 12,000 children were approved to benefit from the subsidy, helping to ease financial burdens on families and support parents, especially women, in returning to work. Minister Givan commended the commitment and cooperation of the sector in quickly rolling out the scheme so that families could see immediate benefits.
The Minister emphasized the positive impact of the scheme, noting that parents have saved almost £1 million on childcare bills in September alone. Additionally, an estimated £1.1 million has been saved through Tax-Free Childcare, resulting in substantial savings for working parents in Northern Ireland. Minister Givan urged eligible parents who have not yet signed up for the scheme to do so, as registration remains open.
Continuing engagement with childcare providers and parents using the scheme has provided valuable feedback on the real difference it is making in family life. Minister Givan remains dedicated to delivering affordable childcare for parents across Northern Ireland.
To register for the Childcare Subsidy Scheme or learn more about it, you can visit the official website. Stay informed with the latest news by visiting the Belfast Live homepage and signing up for free newsletters. Don’t miss out on special offers, promotions, and top stories from Belfast Live and its partners.